provisional measure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provisional measure" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a temporary or interim action taken in a situation, pending a more permanent solution. Example: The government has implemented several provisional measures to address the current economic crisis, including a temporary freeze on rent increases and providing financial assistance to small businesses.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A provisional measure now allows the president to decrease the lands already created for conservation.

The New York Times

President Morsi says his controversial decree (euphemistically called "constitutional declaration") is only a provisional measure to defend the revolution and ensure a swift passage to democracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wednesday's ruling, classified as a "provisional measure" before a final verdict that could take years to be issued, was given unanimously.

The Guardian

The law – known as "provisional measure 458" – is one of the most controversial environmental decisions of Lula's two terms in office, with the president coming under intense pressure from both environmental groups and the country's powerful agricultural lobby.

The Guardian

Moreover, Mr Milosevic may yet embarrass a reluctant court in the next few weeks into ordering a halt to the bombing as a "provisional measure" before it decides on jurisdictional issues.

The Economist

In September 2012, under pressure from industry to cut the costs of electricity, Rousseff announced a "provisional measure" that created a mechanism to reduce energy prices by an average of about 20percentt and renewed for up to 30 years the concessions from electricity plants set to expire in 2015 17.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The commission will investigate the complaint and could impose provisional measures on Chinese imports within nine months.

The New York Times

He said the government would soon announce provisional measures to govern football activities until a new association could be formed.

The Guardian - Sport

We just felt we needed to file for provisional measures because this was our last chance to get reinstated.

The Guardian - Sport

Gleeson said the direction to Asio to keep the material sealed for all purposes would continue until a judgment was made on provisional measures.

The Guardian

Australia argues the provisional measures sought by Timor-Leste are unnecessary, in part because of the "comprehensive" undertakings designed to address the country's concerns.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provisional measure", clarify the expected duration or conditions for its replacement with a permanent solution to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid treating a "provisional measure" as a long-term solution. Ensure it is followed by a more sustainable or comprehensive approach as planned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provisional measure" functions as a noun phrase that describes a temporary action or step taken to address a situation until a more permanent solution can be implemented. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in contexts such as governmental actions and legal proceedings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provisional measure" refers to a temporary action taken pending a more permanent solution. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science. It indicates that a particular action or policy is not intended to be permanent and is in place only until a more definitive solution is available. While "provisional measure" is correct, clarifying its duration is recommended to prevent confusion. Alternatives include "temporary action" or "interim solution". Understanding these nuances ensures clarity and accuracy in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pro tempore solution

Uses a Latin term to indicate a temporary solution, adding a formal tone.

interim solution

Highlights the problem-solving aspect, suggesting a temporary fix until a better solution is found.

transitional arrangement

Focuses on facilitating a change from one state to another, suggesting a temporary setup.

temporary action

Focuses on the action's short-term nature, omitting the legal or formal connotation of "measure".

stopgap solution

Implies a temporary measure used because better options are not available.

preliminary step

Emphasizes the sequence of actions, indicating that this is an initial action before further steps.

short-term fix

Stresses the limited duration of the solution, often implying a quick but not necessarily ideal resolution.

tentative plan

Highlights the uncertainty and potential for change in the arrangement.

preparatory action

Emphasizes the role of the action in getting ready for something more significant.

makeshift arrangement

Suggests a solution created quickly and from whatever is available, possibly lacking in quality.

FAQs

How is "provisional measure" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "provisional measure" is often used to describe a temporary action taken while waiting for a more permanent solution. For example, "The government implemented a "provisional measure" to control prices during the crisis."

What are some alternatives to using "provisional measure"?

You can use alternatives such as "temporary solution", "interim arrangement", or "short-term fix depending on the context.

Is there a legal connotation to the term "provisional measure"?

Yes, "provisional measure" often carries a legal or formal connotation, implying that it's a step taken within a structured or official framework, as seen in examples related to government decrees and court rulings.

How does "provisional measure" differ from "temporary measure"?

While both refer to non-permanent actions, "provisional measure" often implies a more formal or official context, whereas "temporary measure" is a more general term for something not intended to be permanent.